The T-Wolves Are Desperately Trying To Convince Jimmy Butler To Stay

Jimmy Butler wants out of Minnesota. Not only that, but Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor has reportedly told GM Scott Layden and head coach Tom Thibodeau to figure out a way to trade the disgruntled star, or else he may just go ahead and do it himself. Regardless of the eventual outcome, it doesn’t look like Butler will be playing another game for the T-Wolves.

However, Thibodeau isn’t giving up hope.

Minnesota Timberwolves President/Coach Tom Thibodeau met with All-Star forward Jimmy Butler on Monday and tried to convince him to eventually rejoin the team in the preseason, league sources tell ESPN. Butler is sitting out, awaiting the organization to honor his trade request.

The T-Wolves coach told members of the media that he expected Butler to report to training camp, which begins this week. It remains to be seen whether Butleer will bother to attend, as he could be ready to execute a Le’Veon Bell style holdout until he is traded.

Speaking of trades, Adrian Wojnarowski reports that a handful of teams are interesting in making a deal for the four-time All-Star:

So far, Pat Riley and Miami have been as aggressive as any team in pursuit of a Jimmy Butler trade with Minnesota, league sources tell ESPN. Ownership still prefers to find a deal by early this week, sources said.

ESPN Sources: Another team pursuing a Jimmy Butler trade with Minnesota: Cleveland. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert was seen talking privately with Glen Taylor at NBA Board of Governors meeting on Friday. Both owners played a part in negotiating the Love-Wiggins deal.

At least the team just signed their other star player, former No. 1 overall draft pick Karl Anthony-Towns, to a super-man contract extension worth $190 million over five years. So they have something to work with if (or when) Butler is eventually shipped out.